travel – Page 15 – Small Town Socialite

Get Your Caffeine Fix at Little Ireland Coffee in Pacific

Posted on February 27, 2025 by Amanda

If you’re looking for a place to get your caffeine fix in Pacific, stop by Little Ireland Coffee. This adorable coffee shop features lots of windows to let in natural light, ample seating, a cozy nook at the back of the shop that has soft seating options as well as high-top tables perfect for group or solo work, book clubs, and study groups.

Although the shop offers a fair selection of teas and other drinks, I’m all about coffee. Here, and at all coffee shops, I typically get an iced latte, unless it’s really cold out. And the shop serves Park Avenue Coffee Roasters beans, which is one of my favorite regional coffee roasters as I find the flavor of their coffee to be smooth and never bitter.

Iced and hot lattes and a cinnamon roll. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

In addition to the drinks and the welcoming atmosphere at the coffee shop, I often like to treat myself to a little something to go along with my latte. One of my favorites are the cinnamon rolls, which are everything you want in such a treat: sweet, soft, and gooey, especially when you ask the barista to warm it slightly before serving.

Video credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
The cozy nook near the back of the coffee shop features a soft seating area.

There’s also a selection of pastries, muffins, scones, and cookies. If you’re looking for something a bit more filling, the shop offers a number of breakfast burritos, bagels, egg bites, and biscuits and gravy. And if you want to indulge a little, but still stay on track with your protein and healthy eating goals, pronuts, or protein donuts, which are made by The Kind Kitchen, are often available at Little Ireland Coffee.

The Socialite recommends Little Ireland Coffee!

The details:
125 N. 1st St., Pacific, MO.
littleirelandcoffeeshop.com
Follow Little Ireland on Facebook

Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County Feb. 17 – Feb. 23, 2025

Posted on February 17, 2025February 21, 2025 by Amanda

Weather permitting, here’s what’s happening around Franklin County, Missouri this week.

Wednesday, Feb. 19
Explore your creative side and choose from making a St. Patrick’s themed Highlander cow or a Mardi Gras painting at a paint night held at Sip on Main in Union. Included in the ticket price is a pre-traced canvas, plus $5 off food/drink at Sip on Main for that evening. *UPDATE* Due to snow, this event has been rescheduled to March, 5.
Find out more and register.

Thursday, Feb. 20
Learn how to make and use a sourdough starter, while also learning about sourdough’s amazing gut health benefits.
Find out more and how to pay for the workshop.

Thursday, Feb. 20 through Sunday, Feb. 23
Escape the ordinary at the area’s newest brewery and winery, Fugitive Bluff Brewery and Winery, located in Berger. The opening weekend festivities will include food, beer, and wine. *UPDATE* Due to snow, Fugitive Bluff has postponed its opening and may open Saturday and Sunday. It is expected to announce its opening plans on Facebook on Friday, Feb. 21.
Find out more.

Photo via Fugitive Bluff Brewery and Winery’s Facebook

Friday, Feb. 21
Do you write poetry, can you deliver a joke with impeccable comedic timing? Are you a singer or musician? All are welcome to share their talent at The Washington Coffee Shop’s Open Mic Night. Or, maybe sitting back with a coffee or tea in hand taking in the music or spoken word of the guests is more your thing. Either way, stop by the coffee shop for an entertaining evening.
Learn more.

Saturday, Feb. 22
The same great food and music you’ve come to love at the summertime CajunFest is being held this year indoors in February. The Cajun Night event will feature live music from from Dennis Stroughmatt with Creole Stomp.
Find out more.

News and Features

Grab a Burger and a Beer at This Sullivan Brewery

Posted on January 30, 2025January 29, 2025 by Amanda

When hunger (and thirst) strikes, those that know me well know that I’m a burger and a beer kind of gal. Nothing can hit the spot quite like a well-seasoned patty or two and a pint of craft beer. One of my favorite places to satisfy both cravings is Muddy Banks Brewing in Sullivan.

With a name like Muddy Banks, it should be no surprise that the interior vibe focuses on the outdoor recreation in the area, with Meramac State Park just a couple miles away, and the food menu boasts burgers, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers.

Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

Drinks include house brewed beers, with around eight on tap at any given time, cocktails and wine, plus items like nitro lemonade, coffee, and a variety of soft drinks.

On a recent visit, I ordered the Bacon Jam burger, which is topped with American cheese, bacon, bacon jam, lettuce, onion, and the house made burger sauce. It’s a big and wonderfully messy burger that will have you licking your fingers and savoring every single bite.

Bacon Jam burger and fries. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

My husband ordered the wings, which are one of his favorite menu items. A true wing connoisseur, he can’t get enough of the way they’re made at Muddy Banks: smoked, then flash fried and tossed in a generous amount of sauce. There are comforting sides like mac and cheese, potato salad, and baked beans to choose from, but we both love the crispy, yummy fries.

Wings and fries. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz

The Socialite recommends Muddy Banks Brewing!

The details:
725 Acid Mine Rd., Sullivan, MO.
muddybanksbrewery.com
Like the brewery on Facebook
Follow them on Instagram

Events

What’s Happening in Franklin County Jan. 20 – Jan. 26, 2025

Posted on January 20, 2025 by Amanda

Here’s a few things that are happening around Franklin County over the next week.

Wednesday, Jan. 22
The Franklin County Silent Book Club is hosting its monthly meeting at underGROUNDS Espresso Bar in Washington. The event is open to all, since attendees can bring a book of their choosing and join fellow readers at the coffee shop. Attendees are asked to purchase a beverage before sitting down to read in companionable silence. After the designated reading time, there’s an opportunity to chat with others in attendance, or continue reading.
Find the event time and venue address.

Thursday, Jan. 23
Whether you want to brush up on your moves, or are a line dancing novice, you’re invited to attend the line dancing class at the Tri-County Community Senior Center in Pacific. The class is free, but donations are appreciated.
Learn more.

Saturday, Jan. 25
Put on your dancing shoes and head to the VFW Post 2661 in Washington to attend the Wash MO Blues Society’s Membership Appreciation Ball. All are welcome to attend the society’s annual membership appreciation, which will feature live music by the Jeremiah Johnson Band.
Get all the details.

Photo via Wash MO Blues Society’s Facebook event

Saturday, Jan. 25
The Pacific Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual dueling pianos show and dinner event, Pianos for a Purpose, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the Tri-County Community Senior Center’s parking lot project. Ticket price includes dinner and the piano show, and a cash bar will also be available at the event.
Purchase tickets and get all the details.

Sunday, Jan. 26
Coffee lovers won’t want to miss the tasting event at Stacked Coffeehouse in Villa Ridge, starting at 9 a.m. Attendees will try coffee blends that are perfectly paired with a grazing board designed to elevate the coffee flavors. Find out more and purchase tickets.